February 2025

The Justice Journal

Maryland Legal Aid's Quarterly Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we begin a new year, we reflect on the resilience and strength of the communities we serve while preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. Just weeks into the second Trump administration, a barrage of executive orders and new federal policies are already beginning to take a serious toll on the lives of low-income Marylanders, and potentially threaten funding for programs like ours. Yet, we are focused and remain steadfast in our mission to advocate vigorously for our clients and ensure justice for all, no matter the obstacles.

Your support—whether as donors, volunteers, or community partners—is critical, especially now. Because of you, we are able to represent clients like Ms. U, whose story of overcoming financial and health crises is included below.

Inside this issue, we share stories that demonstrate hope and resilience, from impactful expungement clinics to remarkable retirements and milestones achieved together. You'll also read about systemic victories, like the resolution of the Simmons case, which delivered relief to over 1,000 tenants across Maryland. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, which fuels our ability to meet the growing needs of Marylanders seeking justice and stability.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to advocate for those most in need.

With gratitude,

Vicki Schultz

Executive Director

Restoring Stability for Client Facing Health and Financial Crises

Ms. U felt like she was spiraling. Recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, she was grappling with overwhelming financial pressures that took a toll on her physical and mental health. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to work as a senior-to-senior caregiver, but her income was insufficient to keep up with rent, bills, and mounting debts.

To make matters worse, the income she did have was being garnished to repay a Social Security overpayment caused by an administrative error. By the time she sought help from Maryland Legal Aid, Ms. U was desperate.

Maryland Legal Aid’s legal team acted quickly, filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge the Social Security overpayment and other debts, providing immediate relief. Further, Ms. U had $55,000 in student loan debt. Deputy Advocacy Director Bill Steinwedel successfully argued for a hardship discharge under revised Department of Education guidelines, erasing the entire balance. Maryland Legal Aid also intervened to restore her wages, address a seized tax refund caused by an old state debt, and prevent further disruptions to her Social Security benefits. Each step brought Ms. U closer to financial stability during a time when she needed it most.

Today, Ms. U’s case is closed. With her debt eliminated and her financial situation stabilized, she can focus on her health without the constant fear of losing her home or running out of money for basic necessities. Her story underscores the transformative impact of Maryland Legal Aid’s holistic approach to advocacy, ensuring clients not only receive critical legal help but also gain the stability needed to move forward.

A Legacy of Justice: Gregory L. Countess

Retirement Celebration and Fellowship

After an inspiring 46-year career at Maryland Legal Aid, Gregory L. Countess, Advocacy Director for Housing and Community Development, has retired. On December 19, more than 200 friends, family members, colleagues, clients, and community partners gathered at the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in Baltimore to honor Greg’s extraordinary career. His work has transformed countless lives and strengthened communities, all while mentoring generations of attorneys dedicated to advancing justice. The celebration was a testament to his profound impact and his ability to empower communities in Baltimore and beyond, filled with heartfelt tributes, stories of his advocacy, and a shared commitment to continuing his work.

In recognition of Greg’s exceptional legacy, Maryland Legal Aid Board President Brian Hochheimer announced the establishment of the Gregory L. Countess Fellowship. This endowed position will support a talented early-career attorney dedicated to equal justice to join Maryland Legal Aid for a defined term to contribute to the work of Maryland Legal Aid. It will ensure that Greg’s legacy as a justice warrior committed to uplifting and strengthening clients and communities continues far into the future.

“This Fellowship will serve as a lasting tribute to Greg’s remarkable career and his commitment to ensuring justice for those who need it most,” Hochheimer shared during the celebration. “I am personally humbled to contribute $250,000 to launch this Fellowship. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a lasting legacy.”

For those inspired by Greg’s incredible career and impact, donations to support the Fellowship can be made online here. Your contribution will help ensure that Greg's commitment to justice will live on through the work of those who follow in his footsteps.

As Greg embarks on his well-earned retirement, Maryland Legal Aid is profoundly grateful for his service and the example he has set.

Donate to the Gregory L. Countess Fellowship

Tax Sale Case Update

In the last newsletter, we told you about a case brought by Maryland Legal Aid challenging Baltimore City's tax sale system, arguing that it unconstitutionally deprives property owners of just compensation when their homes are foreclosed due to unpaid taxes. The case contends that the City’s process results in a windfall for private investors while stripping homeowners of the value of their properties beyond the amount owed in taxes.

Since then, the City filed its motion to dismiss the case, and Maryland Legal Aid has filed its opposition to that motion on January 24. After the City’s reply is filed, the judge will review the legal arguments and determine whether Maryland Legal Aid has successfully stated a claim allowing the case to move forward.

We look forward to providing future updates on this case, in our quest to ensure that property owners in Baltimore receive the equity they are rightfully owed, communities stay strong and homeownership and wealth-building is preserved wherever possible.

Baltimore Banner: After losing her home, Baltimore woman joins federal lawsuit challenging tax sale

MSN: 'Stop Squatters' bill makes its way in Maryland's General Assembly

The Southern Maryland Chronicle: Maryland Legal Aid attorney among new judicial commission members in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties

The Daily Record: Executive Director Vicki Schultz named to Power 100 List

Pro Bono Corner

Looking for a meaningful way to respond to the wave of federal policy changes that threaten the most vulnerable in our communities? Now more than ever, low-income Marylanders need advocates who will stand up for their rights. With critical benefits, housing stability, healthcare access, and more at risk, the need for pro bono attorneys has never been more urgent.

Maryland Legal Aid provides the training, resources, and support you need to make a real difference—whether by preventing an unjust eviction, securing vital public benefits, or protecting a survivor of domestic violence. Join us in ensuring that justice isn’t just for those who can afford it. Click the link below to get involved.

List of Pro Bono Cases and Clinics

Partnerships with BGE/Exelon and Johns Hopkins Bring

Life-Changing Impact to Baltimore Residents

On November 14, Maryland Legal Aid hosted an expungement clinic in partnership with BGE/Exelon that provided free criminal record expungements to low-income Baltimore residents. The event brought together volunteer attorneys from BGE/Exelon’s corporate legal team and Maryland Legal Aid staff to provide free legal assistance and criminal record expungement services for low-income residents.

The results were nothing short of remarkable:

164 clients served
126 clients with cases potentially eligible for expungement
357 expungement petitions prepared

For many clients, clearing their records is a critical step toward new opportunities in employment, housing, and education. The clinic also incorporated additional support such as energy assistance and resume-writing guidance, further underscoring its holistic approach to community service.

Gayle E. Littleton, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Exelon, praised the collaboration, highlighting its broader significance: “We are fortunate to work at a company that values service to our community, and there is no better way for us to do that than to work together in a holistic way with a great partner like Maryland Legal Aid.”

Maryland Legal Aid also recently partnered with The Johns Hopkins Office of Government, Community, and Economic Partnerships to host an Expungement Clinic on Saturday, October 26. The event combined free legal services with a variety of wraparound resources to meet attendees’ broader needs.

Volunteer attorneys assisted participants with navigating the expungement process, resulting in 243 expungement petitions prepared for 86 clients. Attendees also accessed COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, health and wellness services, veterans’ resources, housing assistance, and employment opportunities—all under one roof.

Maryland Legal Aid is proud to work with outstanding partners like BGE/Exelon and Johns Hopkins University & Medicine to bring these impactful, community-focused events to life. These are just two examples of how Maryland Legal Aid works alongside dedicated community partners to deliver life-changing outcomes for Marylanders with low-income.

Maryland Legal Aid Receives Cy Pres Award to Support Tenant Advocacy

Maryland Legal Aid was honored and thrilled to receive a cy pres award from the settlement of the landmark class action case Simmons v. Maryland Management, LLC. A cy pres award refers to funds from a legal settlement in a class action lawsuit distributed to organizations whose work aligns with the interests of the affected group.

The case resolved a longstanding issue affecting renters in Maryland in which landlords could sue tenants for alleged lease violations up to 12 years after the fact, often long after records were lost and memories had faded. This unfair practice left many renters vulnerable to large, outdated claims. In 2022, the Maryland Supreme Court’s Smith v. Wakefield decision changed that, limiting such claims to three years. Maryland Legal Aid, along with the Public Justice Center (PJC) and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), helped set this precedent by filing an amicus brief in Smith v. Wakefield.

The Simmons case built on this victory. Co-counseled by attorneys Peter Holland of The Holland Law Firm, Scott Borison of The Borison Firm, and Phillip Robinson of the Consumer Law Center, the case secured relief for over 1,000 tenants who had been unfairly burdened by court judgments outside the legal time limit. The settlement erased $3.7 million in judgments, dismissed lawsuits, and refunded improperly collected funds. This relief has freed affected tenants from wage and bank garnishments, helping them rebuild their financial lives and secure future loans or housing.

Peter Holland expressed pride in the team’s efforts, stating: “I am proud of the work that the Holland Law Firm did to establish an important precedent for consumers... The work that Maryland Legal Aid does is critical, and I am glad to know that this cy pres award will help further their mission.”

Maryland Legal Aid is deeply grateful to the legal teams and organizations involved. This award will strengthen efforts to protect renters from unfair practices and ensure low-income tenants have access to justice.

Equal Justice Associates Fall Happy Hour

On November 12, Maryland Legal Aid's Equal Justice Associates (EJA) presented a Happy Hour event at the law offices of Ballard Spahr LLP. More than 40 young lawyers enjoyed music, great conversation, hors d’oeuvres and drinks on the 17th floor terrace of Ballard Spahr’s building. The event was a fun way to set the stage for the EJA’s plans to present meaningful pro bono events and activities for young lawyers in 2025.

Learn More About the EJA

Ways to Give

Whether you donate your time as a pro bono volunteer or make financial contributions, your support helps provide transformative legal help for Marylanders with low-income and is sincerely appreciated.

Click here to learn more about the many ways you can help Maryland Legal Aid improve access to justice, or click the Donate Now button to make a gift online.